Update: The work of young alumni raises $10,000 for the Sergio Machado Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Third Annual Oh Snap! Music Festival. $5,000 of this total was provided in matching funds by older alumni.

In 2005, Sergio Machado graduated from Southwestern Univeristy with honors. An international student from Mozambique, Africa, Sergio had a profound impact on the Southwestern community. Sergio was a unique individual who had the ability to bring groups together and to get them laughing. A talented musician, he also sang and played guitar with a wide variety of aspiring musicians on campus.

After graduation, Sergio returned to Mozambique, where he worked for three years at a successful IT company. One morning while driving to work,Sergio’s car was struck head-on by a drunk driver, killing him instantly.

Because of the impact Sergio had on so many of his fellow Southwestern alumni, in 2009, six of his friends coordinated the OH SNAP! Festival to commemorate his life. The festival showcases local musicians, as well as comedy, dancing and art in the live music capitol of the world—Austin, Texas. Named “OH SNAP!” in memory of the phrase for which Sergio was well known, all involved are committed to making the event a huge success, in addition to paying positive tribute to their friend.

In a show of support and collaboration, Southwestern University has created an annual scholarship fund to support international students studying the University. All proceeds of the OH SNAP! Festival benefit the Sergio Machado Memorial Scholarship Fund thus ensuring that Sergio’s life is remembered in a meaningful way. To donate to the Fund, please visit http://southwestern.edu/giving/machado.

To learn more about OH SNAP!, visit their website, the OH SNAP! Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.